Independent Rail Tour + Self-Drive Holiday
Your Itinerary
A – Depart London St Pancras International Station
B – Derby
C – Peak District, 2 nights
D – Yorkshire Dales 2 nights
E – Hadrian’s Wall, 1 night
F – Northumberland, 2 nights
G – York, 3 nights
H – Return rail to London Kings Cross Station
DAY 1 – Depart London to Peak District
Begin your rail journey from London St Pancras International, arriving into Derby. After collecting your hire car, set off to explore the beautiful Peak District, where limestone valleys and stately homes create the perfect backdrop for a peaceful escape. As you drive north, consider pausing in one of the region’s charming villages, such as Belper or Cromford, each offering its own slice of local character. Your day concludes in Matlock Bath, a scenic village nestled in a dramatic gorge along the River Derwent. Embrace its Victorian charm with a stroll along the riverside promenade, a ride on the Heights of Abraham cable car to hilltop parks and caverns, or a relaxed meal of traditional fish and chips by the water. Your accommodation for the next two nights is conveniently located within easy reach of this delightful town.
Inclusions: Rail pass
Car Hire: Compact Class, 4 door, inclusive of all mandatory taxes, insurances and charges
Rail travel: 1 hrs 30 mins
Drive Time: 30 mins
Overnight: Matlock Bath/Bakewell region
DAY 2 – Peak District
Today provides time to further explore the Peak District and surrounds. Ensure to visit Bakewell, nestled within the National Park. The town charms visitors with its cobbled streets, riverside walks, and timeless English character. Famous for its namesake tart, this market town offers a delightful blend of heritage, boutique shopping, and scenic beauty. Choose to visit grand estates like Chatsworth House, Bolsover Castle, or Hardwick Old Hall, each offering a unique glimpse into England’s aristocratic past. In the evening, wind down with a drink or early dinner at a country pub before returning to your accommodation.
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions: Car Hire, English Heritage Pass
Overnight: Matlock Bath/Bakewell region
Chatsworth House
DAY 3 – Peak District to Yorkshire Dales
A scenic drive from the Peak District to the Yorkshire Dales offers a transition from rolling limestone valleys to lush rolling landscapes. The route passes picturesque villages, sweeping views, which are sure to please. Choose to stop in Haworth, famous for the Bronte sisters, Saltaire or Ilkley en-route to the Dales. Your accommodation for the next two nights is at a charming Georgian hotel set in the heart of a Yorkshire market town.
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions: Car Hire, English Heritage Pass
Drive Time: 3 hrs
Overnight: Yorkshire Dales
Peak District – PeakDistrict.org/Alex Hesp-Gollins
DAY 4 – Yorkshire Dales
Today’s journey takes you to the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes, where you’ll enjoy a Cheesy Afternoon Tea which showcases the Creamery’s handcrafted cheeses, complemented with locally made artisan chutney and rich fruitcake (served from 11am). Continue through the Yorkshire Dales, visiting charming villages and the dramatic Ribblehead Viaduct.
Depending on your interests, you may choose to visit the magnificent Castle Howard, a stately home steeped in history and known for its starring role in period dramas. Alternatively, head east to the Yorkshire Moors, where the coastal town of Whitby tempts with its famous fish and chips, and nearby Goathland offers a nostalgic nod to the beloved TV series Heartbeat.
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions: Car Hire, English Heritage Pass, Cheesy Afternoon Tea at Wensleydale Creamery
Overnight: Yorkshire Dales
Yorkshire Dales
DAY 5 – Yorkshire Dales to Hadrian’s Wall
Embark on a scenic drive from the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales to the ancient frontier of Hadrian’s Wall, weaving through charming market towns, rugged moorlands, and the dramatic landscapes of the North Pennines. Today’s destination is Hadrian’s Wall, one of Britain’s most iconic historical landmarks where ancient Roman heritage meets breathtaking landscapes. Choose to explore historic sites such as Vindolanda and Chesters Fort, or follow in the footsteps of Roman soldiers along the Hadrian’s Wall Path, with sweeping views of open fields and rugged borderlands. This evening, settle into a cosy country pub just moments from the wall, nestled on the edge of Northumberland National Park.
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions: Car Hire, English Heritage Pass
Drive Time: 2 hrs
Overnight: Pub stay, Cumbria/Northumberland border
Hadrian’s Wall
DAY 6 – Hadrian’s Wall to Northumberland
Enjoy a scenic drive to Alnwick, winding through the lush Tyne Valley and the rolling hills of Northumberland. Stop in Hexham or Corbridge to soak up local history and small town charm. Arrive in Alnwick, a welcoming market town known for its cobbled streets, elegant architecture, and cultural treasures. Explore the majestic Alnwick Castle which famously featured as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Be sure to stroll through the pretty gardens and one of England’s most beloved bookshops. Spend the next two nights immersed in Alnwick’s timeless appeal.
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions: Car Hire, English Heritage Pass
Drive Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Overnight: Alnwick Bed & Breakfast or hotel
Alnwick Castle
DAY 7 – Northumberland
Today is yours to uncover Northumberland’s coastal magic with it’s windswept beaches and the imposing Bamburgh Castle, to the tidal allure of Lindisfarn (Holy Island). If you prefer inland charm, the historic market town of Rothbury and the pioneering Cragside estate offer a scenic detour through wooded valleys and Victorian ingenuity.
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions: Car Hire, English Heritage Pass
Overnight: Alnwick
Bamburgh Castle – VisitBritain/Chris Ceasar
DAY 8 – Northumberland to York
Embark on a scenic drive from Alnwick to York, weaving through Northumberland’s countryside into Yorkshire. Stop in Newcastle for riverside views and vibrant culture, then detour to Durham to visit the historic cathedral and castle. North York Moors is an optional stop en-route, offering sweeping heather moorlands, heritage steam railways, and charming villages. Arrive in York by afternoon to settle in for a three night stay in the magnificent medieval city, where cobbled lanes, Gothic architecture, and centuries of history await. Your hire car is returned in York, with optional extention available for the next one or two days.
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions: Car Hire, Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
Overnight: York city centre
Goathland, North York Moors – VisitBritain/NYMNPA/Daniel Wildey
DAY 9 – York
Spend a day in York exploring its rich medieval heritage and vibrant city life. Starting with an escorted walking tour which covers York’s key historic sites including the Minster, city walls, and ancient streets. Choose to visit Clifford’s Tower, the dramatic stone keep of York Castle which is included with your English Heritage Pass. Spend the afternoon strolling quaint streets and wander through The Shambles’ crooked lanes. Discover Viking history at JORVIK, and unwind with afternoon tea at Bettys Cafe.
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions: York Walking Tour, English Heritage Pass
Overnight: York city centre
York Minster
DAY 10 – York and surrounds
Enjoy a delightful day trip to Harrogate and Knaresborough, both within a 30 minute rail journey of York. Blending spa-town elegance with riverside charm. Start in Harrogate with a stroll through the Valley Gardens and morning tea at the famous Bettys Café. Then head to nearby Knaresborough to explore its medieval castle ruins, wander the cobbled streets, and admire the dramatic viaduct spanning the River Nidd. Alternatively, spend the day in York taking a sightseeing cruise along the River Ouse, or discover the UK’s largest collection of trains and rail-related memorabilia at the National Railway Museum. For those with a sweet tooth, visit York’s Chocolate Story to learn the history of the famous Rowntree’s confectioners, or visit York Cocoa Works, a working chocolate factory in the city centre.
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Overnight: York city centre
The Shambles, York
DAY 11 – York to London
Your final day includes a relaxing rail journey from York’s historic station to London King’s Cross. The direct service offers a smooth and scenic ride through the English countryside into London’s city centre, where onward travel or city exploring is on your doorstep.
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions: Rail pass
King’s Cross Station
Proposed accommodation in 4 star hotels located less than 10 minutes walk from arrival/departure railway station. Self-drive tour includes 4 star hotels, inns, or B&B accommodation. Upgrade to 5 star accommodation including manor houses or similar.
Prices are per person, sharing a double/twin room based on March 2026 departure. A single supplement applies for solo travellers provided on request.
Car hire based on Compact 4 door manual vehicle, unlimited kilometres, VAT, liability insurance, CDW with excess, TP with excess. Additional rate for drivers under 25 years or over 69 years. Please enquire for vehicle upgrade and automatic transmission.
Terms & Conditions apply. Click to view
Exclusions:
Travel Insurance – we ask that our guests purchase suitable cover in case planned travel is affected or disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances
Flights – all tours are land only within the UK
Transportation, meals and/or sightseeing other than that outlined above.
Banner Image credits:
Wallsend, Tyne and Wear – VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton/English Heritage
Bamburgh Castle – VisitBritain/Yin Sun Photography
Kirklees, West Yorkshire – West Yorkshire LVEP/James Mulkeen
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